Waving green scarves and chanting “solidarity for women”, an Argentine film crew and several dozen campaigners turned the Cannes red carpet into a protest on Saturday as they showcased a documentary looking at the highly-charged issue of abortion.

Unveiled during the cinema festival on the French Riviera, Que Sea Ley, which translates as Let It Be Law, follows the battle to pass a bill legalizing abortion in Argentina, where terminations are currently only permitted in cases of rape, or if the mother’s health is at risk.

72nd Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the documentary film "Que Sea Ley" (Let it be law) presented as part of special screenings - Cannes, France, May 18, 2019. Protesters demonstrate against the rejection of the law legalizing abortion in Argentina. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY ( REUTERS )

The bill gained widespread support but was rejected by the South American country’s Senate last year, and the issue has sparked mass protests by people on both sides of the debate.

Pro-choice supporters usually wear green handkerchiefs at demonstrations, while those who are against abortion carry blue ones.

After inviting several campaigners for legalized abortion to the premiere, the documentary’s director Juan Solanas walked the red carpet alongside women waving scarves, with some even decked out in green gowns and make-up.

The film’s Cannes screening coincides with a fresh round of debate in the United States, where Alabama’s governor this week signed a bill to ban nearly all abortions, even in cases of rape and incest.

Cast and crew of the film 'Let it be Law' demonstrate for the legalization of abortion in Argentina upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'The Wild Goose Lake' at the 72nd international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 18, 2019. (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP) ( Arthur Mola/Invision/AP )

Solanas, the son of renowned Argentine filmmaker Fernando “Pino” Solanas, told Reuters ahead of Saturday’s premiere that he was firmly on one side of the debate.

He admitted his biggest challenge was balancing points of view from both sides.

“It makes me ashamed that the law does not exist,” he said.

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First Published: May 19, 2019 14:22 IST